Colonel Seema Mishra Appointed First Woman Principal of UP Sainik School

Lucknow / New Delhi – In a landmark decision, Colonel Seema Mishra has been appointed as the first woman principal of the 65-year-old Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey UP Sainik School, Lucknow. The move — widely hailed as a significant step for gender inclusivity in India’s defence-school system — was formalised after government approval on December 3, 2025. 

Her two-year deputation order follows the recommendation of the selection panel of the Sainik School Society under the Ministry of Defence, which gave its nod on October 30. 

Colonel Mishra succeeds Col. Rajesh Raghav, who had been serving as principal since January 2021. 

About Colonel Seema Mishra & Her Background

• Service & Experience: Commissioned into the Army Educational Corps (AEC) in 2003, Colonel Mishra brings over 22 years of distinguished service. Her career includes roles such as instructor at the Indian Military Academy, vice-principal at another Sainik School, and various leadership positions within AEC institutions. 
• Academic Credentials: She holds a master’s degree in Mathematics, a B.Ed, and an MPhil in Education — qualifications aligning with the school’s academic and training-oriented ethos. 
• Personal Life & Legacy: Colonel Mishra is also the widow of martyr Major Nitesh Roy, who sacrificed his life in Afghanistan in 2010 and was awarded the Shaurya Chakra posthumously. Many see her appointment not just as a milestone for the school, but also a nod to families who have made supreme sacrifices for the nation. 

Vision & Priorities as Principal

On her appointment, Colonel Mishra acknowledged the dual weight of honour and challenge. As she steps into the role for the first time in the school’s history, she said she was acutely aware that people would view her performance “through the lens of being the first woman principal.” 

She emphasized that her immediate priority will be to strengthen the institution’s core objective — preparing cadets for entry into the National Defence Academy (NDA), both boys and girls.

Notably, this Sainik School was among the first in the nation to begin admitting girl cadets — a move initiated in 2018. 

About Former Principal Col. Rajesh Raghav

Colonel Mishra succeeds Col. Rajesh Raghav, who served as the principal of UP Sainik School since January 2021. Known for his administrative discipline and academic reforms, Col. Raghav played a

key role in:

• Strengthening NDA-oriented training
• Enhancing academic performance
• Improving hostel and campus discipline
• Supervising the integration of girl cadets
• Upgrading sports and physical training infrastructure

Under his leadership, the school maintained its reputation as one of the strongest feeder institutions for the National Defence Academy. He formally handed over charge following the approval of Colonel Mishra’s appointment.

Why This Appointment Matters

Historic Breakthrough: For the first time in 65 years, a Sainik School in Uttar Pradesh — among the earliest and most respected institutions of its kind — is being led by a woman. This signals growing gender inclusivity in institutions traditionally seen as male-dominated.

Role Model for Future Generations: Her appointment could inspire more female officers and educators to aim for leadership in defence-linked educational institutions and challenge long-standing gender norms.

Strengthening Gender-Inclusive Military Education: With schools like this already admitting girl cadets, having a woman at the helm may create a more supportive and inclusive environment, potentially encouraging higher female participation in cadet programs and eventual defence careers.

 

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